SYMPTOMS of disease
are the evidences of abnormal conditions that are present within the
body, and they indicate with more or less accuracy the degree of functional
or of organic disturbance. In addition they enable the experienced observer
to apprehend the point or points of least resistance, the organ or organs
that are hampered in the performance of function. In fasting, these
signs of disease, during the first days of abstinence, are seen to be
exaggerated or increased in severity; but this is a logical consequence
of the method as applied, for its purpose is that of elimination of
circulating, clogging, poisonous material. The extreme process of elimination
in operation at this time fully uncovers the focus of disease, and exaggerates
in the very cure itself signs characteristic of morbid conditions in
the organs involved, organs whose resistance has been assailed to the
point of break-down in function. To the orthodox view this phenomenon
at once is suggestive of an increase in the severity of disease alone,
since in the commonly accepted opinion the symptom represents a segregated
cause. But, rightly regarding disease as arising from a single primary
source, the intellect trained in the application of natural means of
treatment finds cause for rejoicing rather than for fear. Exaggeration
of symptom is apparent because nature has accepted the open road presented,
and is proceeding rapidly to effect relief and cure. And it is to be
observed that the greater the struggle made at this time, the greater
the vital force in reserve.

In any method for
the treatment of disease nothing can be done unless nature cooperates.
In some methods her means of cure, elimination, triumphs in spite of
treatment, and this is nowhere so fully demonstrated as in traditional
orthodoxy, which regards the symptom as disease in segregated form.
By means of drugs and measures allied, the signs manifested are checked,
suppressed, turned into other channels. The fact has been and is ignored
that, with cause thus suppressed but still in action, disease is certain
of return in aggravated form.

To delay treatment
in order that a distinct symptom may develop, thus permitting of accurate
symptomatic diagnosis, is evidence of faulty conception both of the
character of disease and of its remedy. While waiting, the case is proceeding
either to cure or to death. At the first appearance of distress active
natural measures are in order, and these are certainly not to be classed
with drugs or with any means for the suppression of a localized pathological
condition.

For centuries the
human race has been educated therapeutically by precept and argument
diametrically opposed to truth. For instance, in the orthodox method
of handling the sick, if heart action is high, a depressant is administered;
if it is low, a stimulant is given. When signs of illness appear upon
the skin, attempts are in order, not to remove the inward cause, but
to eradicate the outward sign, "to drive it in." In these
instances, because of energy consumed in fighting both disease and drug,
reaction occurs, and the organs affected are less able to recuperate
when the obstructed avenues of vitality are finally cleared sufficiently
for function. The latter occurs when nature, as she often does, asserts
herself despite the drug. Orthodoxy refuses to admit the unity of disease
and cure, and likewise refuses to assist nature in the purifying process
of disease. The thought and hope of the physician trained to regard
disease from its natural concept is this: that the organs of the body
of his patient may prove equal to the work of elimination; and to further
this end, he makes use of every natural eliminative aid. In spite of
the mildness or the severity of its manifestation, it is only through
bodily purification that disease may be cured.

Since the physiological
changes involved in the application of fasting for the cure of disease
need to be made gradually, as has been related, the ideal method of
approach to the period of abstinence is to prepare the system by lessening
by degrees the intake of food; but, whether begun in this manner or
without preparation, as is necessary in acute crises, resultant symptoms
are in general alike. When the intake of food is stopped, the stomach
is naturally emptied and commences its enforced vacation. All energy
heretofore applied to the processes of digestion is now directed into
eliminative channels, and, with the assistance of a blood current continually
growing in purity, inflammation that may be present is allayed, and
congestion in veins and glands is relieved. The stomach will from time
to time be disturbed by its neighboring organ, the liver which during
a fast is solely an organ of elimination, and which then discharges
its bilious excretion in large amounts into the alimentary canal It
has been stated that this product of the liver is essentially waste,
but that, even so, it has its use as a digestive fluid in health. However,
when a fast is in progress, bile is profusely poured into the intestines,
and it is then to be regarded as naught but poisonous refuse excreted
by tissue, and it is at once to be removed from the system lest it be
again absorbed into the circulation.

When food is no
longer being ingested, the bowels proceed to evacuate their fecal contents,
receiving and casting out the waste then deposited in them from blood
and the visceral organs; the kidneys, the lungs, and the skin assist
in the purifying process; in short, the sewerage system of the body
centers its entire energy in supreme effort to overcome toxemia by clearing
away internal impurities. The involuntary absorptive functions are,
however, still active, and they continue their work, even upon excreted
waste; hence, lest poisonous reabsorption occur, the most expeditious
means must be employed in order to remove this refuse from the intestinal
channel. The blood, following its mission, gathers excrete from cell
structure, and supplies what it may for rebuilding purposes. The latter
it discovers in that reserve supply of nourishment that is naturally
stored in the interstices of tissue. As the process of elimination or
purification continues, as refuse diminishes in amount, the density
of the blood stream is gradually reduced, and the labor of the heart
is thus progressively lightened.